Austin Parks and Recreation Department, Oakwood Cemetery Chapel, exhibit “To Emancipate”.
The Communities
Barton Springs
The Barton Springs/Goodrich freedom community developed post-emancipation near the former Goodrich Plantation and its slave cemetery. This area is located in what is today Goodrich and Kinney avenues west of Lamar Boulevard. The Barton Springs Baptist Church was founded in 1866 next to the cemetery and it is known as one of the oldest African American congregations in the county.
The original wooden building was destroyed by a fire during the 1940s and was replaced by a concrete block church building that stands at 2109 Goodrich Avenue. Located behind the church is the cemetery which is reported to have over 2,000 graves but only a few grave markers remain. Both the church and the cemetery have been designated as City of Austin Local Historic Landmarks and their presence stand as reminders of the rich African American history and heritage of the area.
Information provided by the African-American Settlement Survey Travis County, Texas prepared by prepared by Hicks & Company Elizabeth Porterfield, MSHP for Travis County Historical Commission.
This information was supplemented by archivist at the University of North Texas, Michelle Mears, from her book And Grace Will Lead Me Home African American Freedmen Communities of Austin, Texas, 1865-1928.
We recognize that this research is ongoing, drawing extensively from historical documents, archives, and oral histories passed down through generations.
Given the evolving nature of information, it is important to note that details may change. And while inaccuracies may arise, we actively strive to update our records as we acquire new knowledge.
Map provided by Austin Parks and Recreation Department, Oakwood Cemetery Chapel, exhibit “To Emancipate”.
Click on the map to zoom in and explore a specific community.To view a full list of all communities, click the “i” icon in the top-left corner of the map.
